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Sharapova, Williams right to go

Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova after the women's 2007 Australian Open final. Photo: Vince Caligiuri

MARIA Sharapova has joined Serena Williams on the injured list but Brisbane International organisers are adamant both will headline its star-studded women's field at Pat Rafter Arena.

Sharapova once again raised concerns over her desire to play in Queensland after withdrawing from a Korean exhibition match against Caroline Wozniacki, scheduled for Saturday, with neck soreness.

The Russian star pulled out of the Brisbane tournament 12 months ago with an ankle problem, and also withdrew from its WTA forerunner on the Gold Coast in 2007.

But it's third time lucky for Queensland, according to tournament organiser Cameron Pearson, with Sharapova to arrive on Saturday - a day earlier than scheduled.

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Last week, Williams pulled out of her own post-Christmas exhibition match, against Li Na in Thailand, after toe surgery but has the all-clear to return in Brisbane.

''I think Maria and Serena are the two biggest stars in women's tennis so it's great that they're both going to be here and both be fit and ready to play the first tournament of the year,'' Pearson said.

Williams, looking for her 16th grand slam title at the Australian Open next month, arrives in Brisbane on Friday morning, just after former world No. 1 Wozniacki flies in with golfer boyfriend Rory McIlroy.

She's among eight of the world's top 10 women playing in the strong Brisbane field, with first-round matches starting on Sunday.